Hamza 'an al Qaeda hero'

Radical Muslim clerk Abu Hamza was today described in court as an al Qaeda "hero" like Osama bin Laden.

The one-eyed, hook-handed preacher appeared at Belmarsh Magistrates' Court where he is fighting extradition to the US to face terror charges.

The start of the hearing was delayed whilst security guards found restraining body belts after realising they could not handcuff him.

Wearing a red T-shirt, khaki trousers, and with a khaki coat draped across his arms, the 46-year-old spoke only to confirm his name and that he understood the US wanted to extradite him.

"From an al Qaeda point of view he is a hero in the same way as bin Laden is portrayed."

Hamza, who had his eyes closed and appeared to be dozing throughout much of the proceedings, showed no emotion as District Judge Timothy Workman, refused his application for bail and remanded him in custody.

Hamza will appear by video link at Bow Street Magistrates' Court on July 1, and a full extradition hearing is scheduled for July 23.

The charges against the cleric were not read out at the hearing today, but during his first appearance at Belmarsh Magistrates' Court last week he was told there were a total of nine charges under British law.

They related to incidents of hostage taking in Yemen in 1998, in which four captives - including three Britons - died.

He is also accused of trying to set up a terror training camp in Oregon in the US, and sending another individual described as "Hamza's hit man" to fight for the Taliban.

The preacher will have two chances to appeal against a decision to go ahead with his extradition.

Downing Street has confirmed that Hamza could not be extradited to face execution abroad under current UK rules and any such sentence, if imposed, would not be carried out.